Breakfast Spots in San Diego (2025)
Little Italy’s high-energy brunch temple from a local hospitality group, known for soufflé pancakes and playful design. Recognized as a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide and often highlighted by Eater and Thrillist as a must for daytime dining.
A community‑minded favorite since the 1990s serving Chino‑Latino breakfasts, cinnamon bread French toast, and hearty plates after a beach walk. Praised by local food critics and included in numerous city breakfast roundups for its value and neighborhood roots.
A surfer’s morning ritual since 1991 beside Crystal Pier, turning out big breakfast plates, potatoes, and burritos at friendly prices. Frequently cited by Thrillist and the San Diego Reader for its shoreline vibe and enduring local appeal.
Family‑run since 1960, this old‑school La Jolla diner serves breakfast all day and a beloved B.W. Benny. Celebrated by Saveur for its neighborhood role and featured by Eater and local media for timeless diner comfort.
A neighborhood institution for brioche French toast and lemon‑ricotta pancakes on a sunlit patio. Noted by Saveur for defining La Jolla’s breakfast culture and recommended by Frommer’s and The Infatuation for brunch done right.
Housed in a restored 1894 cottage overlooking La Jolla Cove, famous for its Coast Toast—custardy, orange‑scented French toast. Spotlighted by Saveur and The Infatuation as a quintessential ocean‑view breakfast.
Ocean Beach’s Cuban patisserie by chef Vivian Hernandez‑Jackson serves pastelitos, café con leche, and savory bites from morning on. Included by Axios among notable San Diego bakeries and cherished for its deep neighborhood ties.
East Village bakery baking all day so croissants and sourdough are served hot from the oven. Lauded by Axios and Eater for its new, expanded cafe and meticulous craft; a downtown morning destination.
Housed in a narrow, 600-square-foot trolley car that once transported riders along the street it now sits on, El Carrito has existed on Logan Avenue since the 1940s and has long served as a neighborhood gathering place; the family who owns the property are descendants of early Barrio Logan community leader Al Johnston. Its new proprietors, Carolina Santana and Milo Lorenzana, have refreshed the trolley car to mint condition and want to continue the restaurant’s tradition as a local meeting hub. Santana and Lorenzana were part of the original team behind the 2015 launch of Logan Avenue standout Salud Tacos and opened the popular coffee house Por Vida down the block the same year; Santana’s parents, Luis and Sandra, are partners in the restaurant, with Sandra contributing her own recipes to the menu. The all-day offerings feature classic Mexican breakfasts — including huevos rancheros and eggs with pork machaca — and five variations on chilaquiles that can be topped with carne asada, soyrizo, shrimp, and more; there are also build-your-own omelettes, pancakes, and on weekends menudo served with hand-pressed tortillas. Lunch includes tortas, burritos, sopes, and tostadas, and the coffee pros brew café de olla. El Carrito is currently open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with plans to expand to dinner service offering small tapas-like bites as well as micheladas and sangria, and additional patio seating expected within the next month.
Daytime cafe by a Pujol alum serving Mexican breakfasts with subtle Japanese touches—think conchas, chilaquiles, and shiso‑kissed French toast. Featured by Bon Appétit and Eater as a fresh force in La Jolla mornings.
Family‑run Vietnamese bakery‑cafe drawing locals for breakfast croissant sandwiches, pâté chaud, and budget‑friendly bánh mì on house‑baked bread. Highlighted by Eater for its breakfast and takeout sandwiches and beloved by nearby students and workers.
Bird Rock’s artisan bakery by a Tartine alum turns out croissants, English muffins, and seasonal pastries that sell out early. Featured in Saveur’s look at La Jolla’s breakfast culture and admired by national food media.
